A review by bethboo
Gilded Cage by Vic James

challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

First off, I'd like to start with the fact that I listened to the audio book but it wasn't on here (and I was too lazy to add it). I would also like to mention that I wouldn't consider this YA. It is much too dark, deals with sexual themes, and has the feel of adult dark fantasy.
This was one of those titles that I didn't seek out, I just grabbed it because it was available on Libby and I didn't have a book to read. The description seems interesting enough but doesn't do the book justice. I thought it was a crazy interesting story and setting, definitely gives Red Rising by Pierce Brown vibes with a dash of Docile by Sparza (not sure if that second one is a compliment). The only subtraction in my mind was the romance. I hated it, didn't want it, didn't really make sense with no build, and gave soft dubcon vibes because of the power imbalance. 
I hated Abby, hated Daisy (though I found her plot interesting), Jenna was fine.
I LOVED Luke and the youngest boy in the rich family (Sybil?). I found Gavar perfectly hateable (meant in the best way) and of course loved Jackson. 
I hate how Jackson just gave it all up in the end though. It felt quick, when the whole betrayal thing could have been drawn out. 
I thought it was good! And I'm excited to see what happens in the second book. I want revolution!

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